More than 70 protestors arrested for causing violence in Sabarimala

Fresh incidents of violence were reported from the hill shrine of Sabarimala
on Sunday night. Over 70 protestors, disguised as devotes, entered the temple
and created obstructions for other devotees. All of them were arrested by the
police triggering more violence across the state. BJP members protested
against Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's residence
in Thiruvananthapuram. Incidents of violence were reported at the state
capital in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thodupuzha and
Ranni. Cases have been filed against almost 200 people for
various protests across Kerala.

These incidents created furore amongst devotees who were at the temple as
part of the ongoing Mandala Kalam. Most of them complained that
they were unable to witness 'pujas' due to communal riots in and around the
temple.

1st time in the history of #Sabarimala .. people are arrested from
Sannidhanam of Temple. Peaceful devotees were doing Saranam and Namajapam
and there was no provocation or even protests as per Devotees on ground ..
@CMOKerala Sri @vijayanpinarayi is being unfair unethical- Rahul
Easwar, Right Wing Activist.

Two days before, Hindu Right Wing leader KP Sasikala was
arrested for trying to climb the hill shrine. This sparked protests across
the state. Sasikala was released on Sunday.

"#SaveSabarimalaTradition Thankfully there was no Bloodshed or Violence in
this Police actions or retaliation from Devotees side. So in a way with
benefit of hindsight, what happened is very good for #Sabarimala and this
movement. Mark this Tweet", tweeted Suresh N.

On 28 September, the Supreme Court of India had lifted the ban on women of
menstruating age not entering the temple. Ever since the order was
implemented on 14 October, no women devotees have been able to enter the
temple due to protestors. Many women were manhandled and abused as well.

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